Sexual Issues

Many people experience sexual problems and through embarrassment or anxiety may feel very alone. In terms of physical conditions, your GP may be the best place to start (although some physical conditions may be related to underlying psychological cues).

Many sexual concerns do have a psychological component and in these cases, seeking help from a counsellor or therapist is a good idea. Your counsellor should be able to advise you on the helpfulness of visiting with your partner should the condition warrant it.

Some common areas of concern are listed below:

Level of sexual desire

The degree of sexual desire or libido varies from person to person and can also change for the individual themselves. A high or low sex drive is not necessarily a problem in itself but a marked change of desire within an individual can be a symptom of factors such as stress. Sometimes losing interest in sexual contact with a partner can be a response to dissatisfaction, anger or unhappiness in your relationship as a couple.

Asexuality

Some people who identify as asexual experience little to no sexual attraction. Such people still form intimate emotional relationships which may at times include sexual activity (although attachments are not based sexual attraction). Asexuality is not a condition and is considered to be a sexual orientation.

Unusual sexual desire

Sometimes people may have sexual desires that they are uncomfortable with – they may be strange, whacky or even a bit frightening. It should be remembered that sexual fantasies are very common and varied – but a fantasy is just that, it is not reality or an actual action. Some fantasies may involve activities that people would not actually want to be a part of in real life.

Sexual desires can be accommodated if it involves a consensual act i.e. consent is freely given by all parties. If acting upon a fantasy involves coercion, breaking the law or is non-consensual then it is not acceptable.